Modular retainer clip assembly for use in an automobile

ABSTRACT

A retainer clip assembly for securing a sun visor interiorly in an automobile. The retainer clip assembly includes a movable lever attached thereto which secures the retainer clip assembly to a vehicle ceiling panel. The lever includes a release member which is accessible from the exterior of the retainer clip, so that the lever may be disengaged and the retainer clip removed. A transportation clip is disclosed for use with the retainer clip assembly. The transportation clip connects the retainer clip to a headliner module during transportation to the final point of assembly. At the final point of assembly, the retainer clip can be pushed into its installed position and the transportation clip is concealed within the retainer clip and need not be removed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to automobile modules,and in particular, to a modular retainer clip assembly for use in anautomobile module which will ultimately become part of an assembledautomobile.

[0002] Sun visors for vehicles are typically mounted on the vehicle bodyceiling panel by a bracket assembly that provides both a horizontal axisabout which a visor blade pivots between a storage position adjacent thevehicle headliner and a use position adjacent the windshield, and agenerally vertical axis about which the visor pivots between a forwardwindshield position and a side window position. The need to usefasteners and tools, either powered or hand driven, in the installationinto vehicles of many existing sun visor mounting bracket assemblies andretainer clips is undesirable for a number of reasons. For example, inaddition to diminishing the aesthetics of the finished product,fasteners may be more labor intensive to install and therefore expensiveto employ. Fasteners may also be costly as well as potentially damagingto the vehicle.

[0003] A variety of sun visor mounting assemblies have been developed,such as those disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,062,608,5,242,204 and 5,499,854. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,854 is owned by theassignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

[0004] While the above-mentioned art was suitable for its intendedpurpose, new manufacturing methods are revolutionizing the way carmakers produce automobiles. In particular, the automobile industry ismoving toward “modular manufacturing,” which is an efficient outsourcingscheme which promises to shave thousands of dollars from the cost ofbuilding each car. In brief, modular manufacturing is a system wherebyindividual suppliers provide the automobile manufacturer/assembler withone or more “modules.” For example, a front end module may include themain frame carrier, the bumper beam, the engine cooling system and thelighting system. Other modules could include chassis, axles andsuspension, tire/wheels, or engine/transmission.

[0005] A headliner module can include the headliner, typically acompression molded piece with a cloth cover, cloths hanger hooks, grabhandles and the entire sun visor assembly. The sun visor assemblyincludes the sun shade, the wiring, the clips, the rotating brackets,etc.

[0006] It is desirable to provide a retainer clip assembly adapted to beeasily transported as part of a module and easily installed by the endassembler of the automobile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a retainer clip assembly which canbe easily transported with a larger module and easily installed to themodule as part of the final assembly of the automobile. The inventiveretainer clip assembly utilizes a lever movably attached to the retainerclip body. The lever fits through an opening extending through theceiling panel of the module and secures the retainer clip thereto. Theinvention also provides a transportation clip which connects theretainer clip to the headliner during transportation of the module.

[0008] In one form thereof, the present invention provides an automobileinterior assembly. The assembly includes a ceiling panel and a retainerclip releasably secured to the ceiling panel. The retainer clip definesa notch. The retainer clip includes a release member accessibleexteriorly of the retainer clip, whereby engagement of the releasemember disengages the retainer clip from the ceiling panel.

[0009] In a preferred form thereof, the retainer clip includes a levermovably attached thereto, the lever securing the retainer clip to theceiling panel. The lever defines the release member and the ceilingpanel defines an opening therethrough. The lever engages the ceilingpanel proximate an edge of the opening. Conveniently, the lever isconcealed by the retainer clip and the ceiling panel.

[0010] In another form thereof, the present invention provides aretainer clip for use in an automobile, the automobile including a rigidpanel having a headliner adjacent thereto, and an opening extendingthrough the panel and headliner for insertion of the retainer clip. Theretainer clip comprises a retainer clip body defining an edge adapted toabut the headliner, the retainer clip further defining a notch. A leveris movably attached to the retainer clip. The lever is positionable in afirst position wherein the lever is adapted for insertion into theopening and a second position wherein the lever engages the rigid panelthereby securing the retainer clip.

[0011] In a preferred form thereof, the lever further comprises arelease member accessible from outside of the retainer clip, whereby theretainer clip can be removed. The retainer clip body forms an accesshole therethrough for accessing the release member. The lever furtherincludes a slot adapted to receive a portion of the rigid panel proximalto the opening. The lever includes a slot defined by a pair ofprojections, at least one of the projections adapted to engage the rigidpanel.

[0012] In yet another form thereof, the present invention provides anautomobile interior assembly. The assembly comprises a headlinerdefining an opening therethrough, a retainer clip having a notch forreleasably receiving a rod of a vehicle sun visor, and a transportationclip disposed in the opening. The transportation clip includes a flangeand a catch member. The retainer clip is positionable by thetransportation clip in a pre-installed position, wherein the flangehooks the transportation clip to the headliner and the catch memberreleasably retains the retainer clip.

[0013] In a preferred form, the assembly further comprises a rigid panelpositioned adjacent the headliner. The retainer clip is furtherpositionable in an installed position, wherein in the installedposition, the catch member is disengaged from the retainer clip and thetransportation clip is maintained with and concealed by the retainerclip. The flange member is sandwiched between the headliner and therigid panel in the installed position.

[0014] In another preferred form, the retainer clip further comprises alever movably attached thereto, the lever movable between a firstposition wherein the lever is adapted for insertion into the opening anda second position corresponding to the installed position wherein thelever secures the retainer clip and the transportation clip to theheadliner and the rigid panel. A release member is accessible exteriorlyof the retainer clip, whereby said retainer clip can be removed fromsaid assembly.

[0015] One advantage of the present invention is that it provides aretainer clip assembly which can be transported as part of a largermodule.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is that thetransportation clip provided for transporting the retainer clip with themodule need not be removed prior to final installation of the retainerclip. Advantageously, this reduces material waste and accelerates theassembly process.

[0017] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that thelocking mechanism and associated release member provides a convenientmechanism for installing the retainer clip yet allowing removal thereofat a later time. Conventionally, interior components of an automobilesnap into place during initial installation, but are difficult toremove, and often break in the event that they are removed. The releasemember of the present invention avoids this problem.

[0018] Yet another advantage of certain embodiments of the presentinvention is that a tactile sensation and an audible clicking sound areprovided when the retainer clip is correctly installed. Thus, a greaterpercentage of clips in accordance with the present invention will beproperly installed.

[0019] Still another advantage of the present invention is that both thelever and the transportation clip are concealed within the confines ofthe housing of the retainer clip, so that the retainer clip is bothfunctional and attractive.

[0020] Still another advantage of the present invention is that thetransportation clip can be flat molded, then bent or formed into shape,thereby reducing tooling and manufacturing costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above-mentioned and other advantages and objects of thisinvention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand the invention itself will be better understood by reference to thefollowing description of embodiments incorporating the invention takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an interior portion ofan automobile which includes the vehicle headliner, sun visor assembly,and inventive retainer clip in accordance with the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a retainer clip in accordance withthe present invention;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the retainer clip shown inFIG. 2 taken from a different angle;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a side sectional view illustrating the relationship ofthe retainer clip of FIG. 2 with the panel and headliner of anautomobile;

[0026] FIGS. 5-7 show a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip shown in FIG. 3 into the interior of an automobile;

[0027]FIG. 7A is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of theportion indicated in FIG. 7;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a side sectional view illustrating the disengagement ofthe release member of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a retainer clip inaccordance with the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a retainer clip inaccordance with the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of a retainer clip inaccordance with the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 12 illustrates yet another embodiment of a retainer clip inaccordance with the present invention;

[0033] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a sequence of steps for the installationof the retainer clip of FIG. 9 into an automobile interior;

[0034] FIGS. 16-18 shown a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip of FIG. 10 into an automobile interior;

[0035] FIGS. 19-21 show a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip of FIG. 11 into an automobile interior;

[0036] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a sequence of steps for the installationof the retainer clip of FIG. 12 into an automobile interior;

[0037]FIG. 24A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the retainerclip of FIG. 12 which illustrates the locking mechanism;

[0038]FIG. 25 is a perspective view exploded away illustrating therelationship of a transportation clip in accordance with the presentinvention, and a vehicle headliner;

[0039]FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of thetransportation clip of FIG. 25 into an opening provided through aheadliner;

[0040]FIG. 27 is a perspective view exploded away illustrating therelationship of the transportation clip of FIG. 25 and a retainer clip;

[0041]FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating the transportation clipof FIG. 25 fully installed into the retainer clip of FIG. 27;

[0042]FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view illustrating the retainer clipand transportation clip in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention in a pre-installation position.

[0043]FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the retainer clip and atransportation clip in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention shown in an installed position;

[0044]FIG. 31 is a side elevational view in partial cross sectionillustrating another embodiment of a lever in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0045]FIG. 32 is a side elevational view in partial cross sectionillustrating installation of the lever shown in FIG. 31 into a vehicleinterior;

[0046]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of aretainer clip in accordance with the present invention;

[0047] FIGS. 34-36 show a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip shown in FIG. 33 into the interior of an automobile;

[0048]FIG. 37 is a perspective view in partial cross section whichillustrates the beam member of the retainer clip of FIG. 33.

[0049]FIG. 38 is a perspective view exploded away illustrating therelationship of a transportation clip in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention and a vehicle headliner;

[0050]FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of thetransportation clip of FIG. 38 into an opening provided through aheadliner;

[0051]FIG. 40 is a perspective view illustrating the transportation clipof FIGS. 38 and 39 fully installed and also illustrating, exploded away,the relationship of the retainer clip to the transportation clip;

[0052]FIG. 41 is a perspective view illustrating the transportation clipand the retainer clip in the installed position;

[0053]FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view illustrating the retainer clipand transportation clip in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention in an installed position.

[0054]FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view of the retainer clip and atransportation clip in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention shown in a pre-installation position;

[0055]FIG. 44 is a fragmentary sectional view showing an alternateengagement mechanism between the transportation clip and retainer clipin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056]FIG. 45 is a fragementary perspective view illustrating therelationship between the trunnion of the beam member of the retainerclip and the transportation clip;

[0057]FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the transportation clip of FIG.44; and

[0058]FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the transportation clip of FIG.38 before the transportation clip is formed or bent into shape.

[0059] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of the invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scaleand certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrateand explain embodiments incorporating the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a vehicle interiorincluding sun visor assembly 30, which further includes sun shade 32,vanity mirror 34, connecting bracket 36, sun visor rod 38 which isreleasably received by retainer clip 40. Retainer clip 40 is secured toheadliner 39 and a rigid interior panel 42 (FIG. 4). The headliner andrigid panel are collectively referred to herein as a “ceiling panel.”

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 2-7, a retainer clip in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be understood.Retainer clip 40 includes a housing member 44 which forms a retainerclip body. The housing member defines an edge 46 adapted to abut theexposed side of headliner 39. Housing member 44 further defines a notch48 for releasably receiving rod 38 of sun visor assembly 30. As seen inFIG. 2, housing member 44 includes a pair of fingers 50 integrallyformed with housing member 44. Housing member 44 is formed of a polymermaterial, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or other suitable polymer.Fingers 50 are depressed inwardly as rod 38 is received into notch 48and serve to maintain sun visor 30 in the position shown in FIG. 1. Sunvisor 30 can pivot about a longitudinal axis of rod 38 as isconventional for sun visors for providing shade. Fingers 50 include arounded portion 52 at a distal end thereof so that rod 38 “snaps” intoplace and so that a tactile indication is provided to the vehicle userthat the rod 38 is snapped into place within notch 48.

[0062] Lever 54 is movably attached to housing member 44 by means of apair of cylindrical pegs 56 (FIG. 28) extending from lever 54 whichinsert into a corresponding pair of cylindrical bores 58 (FIG. 28),which in turn are formed in a corresponding pair of beams 60 dependingupwardly from the interior of housing member 44.

[0063] Lever 54 is movable to a first position wherein the lever isadapted for insertion into opening 62 which extends through panel 42 andheadliner 39 as seen in FIG. 4. Opening 62 is a two-tiered openingcomprising a smaller panel section 64 and a larger headliner section 66.Beam 60 includes a cylindrical nub 68 extending from a distal portionthereof which serves to guide retainer clip 40 through opening 62. Asshown in FIG. 5, lever 54 includes a pair of projections 70 and 72 atits distal end, and the projections define a slot 74 therebetween forreceiving a portion of panel 42.

[0064]FIG. 7 illustrates a second position of lever 54 in whichprojection 70 of lever 54 abuts panel 42 which helps secure retainerclip 40 to the headliner and panel. Movement of lever 54 from its firstto its second position can be appreciated with reference to the sequenceof movement depicted in FIGS. 4-7. As most clearly in FIG. 7, lever 54and edge 46 of clip 40 effectively sandwich panel 42 and headliner 39therebetween in the second position of lever 54. With reference to FIGS.7 and 8, and in particular FIG. 7A, locking mechanism 76 includingrelease member 78 is illustrated. Lever 54 includes ratchet member 80disposed thereon in the shape of a saw-toothed edge. Housing member 44defines pawl member 82 which also is formed as a saw-toothed edge.Ratchet member 80 engages pawl member 82 thereby locking lever 54 in thesecond position, which in turn secures retainer clip 40 to the interiorof the vehicle. It should now be appreciated that retainer clip 40 caneasily be inserted and secured into the vehicle by simply inserting theguide nub 68 into opening 62 and pushing the clip into place by hand. Inso doing, the clip automatically locks into place as the leverautomatically moves to its second position.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, notch 48 of housing 44 forms an access hole84 therethrough for accessing release member 78. As shown in FIG. 8,implement 86, such as a screw driver or scratch awl, can be positionedto engage release member 78 through access hole 84 for disengaging lever54 from the second position, and in turn enabling retainer clip 40 to beremoved.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 9 and FIGS. 13-15, a second embodiment ofa retainer clip in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.Retainer clip 88 includes bracket 90 having arm member 92 extendingtherefrom. Similar to the first embodiment described above, lever 94 ismovably attached to bracket 90 by means of a pair of cylindrical pegsextending into bores 96. With reference to FIG. 13, lever 94 includes apair of projections 98 and 100 which define a V-shaped slot 102therebetween. With reference to FIG. 15, projection 98 abuts againstpanel 42 whereas arm member 92 of bracket 90 abuts against panel 42 onthe opposite side of the opening 62. A locking mechanism (not shown forthe embodiment depicted in FIG. 9 and FIGS. 13-15) such as that providedfor the above-described first embodiment is provided to maintain lever94 in its second position, thereby securing the retainer clip to thevehicle interior.

[0067]FIG. 10 and FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a third embodimentincorporating the present invention. Retainer clip 104 includes a pairof levers 106 and 108 pivotable about pin 110 disposed withincorresponding bores through levers 106 and 108. Each lever 106, 108includes a pair of projections 112, 114 and 116, 118, each of whichdefines a square slot 120, 122, respectively, therebetween. As shown inFIG. 10, the locking mechanism which secures levers 106 and 108 intotheir second position is formed of a pair of latch members 124 (only oneof which is shown in FIG. 10) which engage panel 42 as clip 104 ispressed upwardly into opening 62. The installation of retainer clip 104can be appreciated with reference to the sequence depicted by FIGS.16-18.

[0068]FIG. 11 and FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a fourth embodiment of theretainer clip incorporating the present invention. Retainer clip 126includes lever 128 having cam surface 130 which cammingly engages latchmember 132 which extends from housing member 134. As shown in FIGS.20-21, the retainer clip is pushed upwardly which results in cammingsurface 130 engaging latch member 132 and pushing latch member 132 inthe direction of arrow 135 which thereby secures retainer clip 126.Lever 128 includes projections 136, 138 projection 136 abutting againstpanel 42 when lever 128 is in its second position.

[0069]FIG. 12 and FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a fifth embodiment of aretainer clip embodying the present invention. With reference to FIG.12, retainer clip 140 is formed of two housing members 142 and 146.Levers 148 and 150 are integrally formed with housing members 142 and146, respectively. A pivot pin 152 is slidably disposed in correspondingslots 154 (only one of which is shown) formed in levers 148 and 150. Asillustrated in FIGS. 22-24, as retainer clip 140 is inserted intoopening 62 defined by panel 42 and headliner 39, housing members 142 and146 pivot relative to one another while pivot pin 152 slides downwardlyin corresponding slots 154. Projections 156 disposed on each of levers148 and 150 abut against panel 42 in the second position of levers 148and 150 as shown in FIG. 24. A locking mechanism for clip 140 is shownin FIG. 24A. Housing member 142 includes internally disposed latchmember 158 which engages internally disposed catch member 160 which isintegrally formed with housing member 146. Release member 162 can beaccessed through an access opening disposed in the notch as describedabove with reference to the first described embodiment.

[0070]FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate a sixth embodiment incorporating thepresent invention wherein lever 164 includes latch member 166 formed asa saw-toothed surface which engages panel 42. As shown in FIG. 32, lever164 includes ratchet member 168 which engages pawl member 170 defined bythe interior of the retainer clip housing. Release member 172 isaccessible through an access opening in the notch which receives the sunvisor rod in order to release the retainer clip.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 25, transportation clip 174 is used in atransportable automobile module which includes headliner 39,transportation clip 174 and retainer clip 40. Headliner 39 will beplaced adjacent rigid panel 42 during final assembly of the vehicle.Transportation clip 174 can be “pre-installed” into opening 66 inheadliner 39 by positioning flange members 176 of transportation clip174 in alignment with headliner opening section 66 as shown in FIG. 25.As shown in FIG. 26, transportation clip 174 is then rotated withinheadliner opening section 66 to the position shown in FIG. 27 where itis hooked to the headliner in a “pre-installation” position.Transportation clip 174 engages retainer clip 40 in the pre-installationposition so that the module can be transported with the retainer clipconnected to the headliner.

[0072] The engagement of retainer clip 40 with transportation clip 174in both the pre-installation and installed positions can be appreciatedwith reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. As shown in FIG. 29, transportationclip 174 includes web members, or catch members 178, having ends 180thereof which extend into recesses 182 formed on opposite sides ofretainer clip 40. In this position, retainer clip 40 is connected totransportation clip 174 and transportation clip 174 is hooked toheadliner 39 by means of flange members 176 as shown in FIG. 29.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 30, when retainer clip 40 is pushedupwardly into the opening defined by the headliner and panel,transportation clip 174 is forced downwardly into retainer clip 40. Thatis, ends 180 disengage from recesses 182 and slide along beam 60 ofhousing 44. Meanwhile, lever 54 engages panel 44 as describedhereinabove with reference to the first embodiment. With furtherreference to FIG. 30, the installed position includes the flange members176 being sandwiched between headliner 39 and panel 42. Conveniently,transportation clip 174 is concealed within retainer clip 40 in theinstalled position so that transportation clip 174 need not be removed.

[0074]FIG. 33-37 illustrate a seventh embodiment of a retainer clipembodying the present invention. With reference to FIG. 33, retainerclip 200 includes a housing member 202 which forms a retainer clip body.The housing member defines an edge 204 adapted to abut the exposed sideof headliner 39. Retainer clip body 202 further defines a notch 206 forreleasably receiving rod 38 of sun visor assembly 30.

[0075] Lever 208 is movably, more specifically, pivotably, attached toretainer clip body 202 by means of a pair of cylindrical pegs 210extending from lever 208 which insert into a corresponding pair ofcylindrical bores 58 (FIG. 28) disposed in a pair of plates 214depending upwardly from the interior of the retainer clip body, which inturn are connected by beam 216. As shown in FIG. 37, beam 216 acts as astop for lever 208, preventing lever 208 from rotating 360 degrees.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 34-36, lever 208 is movable to a firstposition (FIG. 34) wherein the lever is adapted for insertion intoopening 62, similarly to the embodiments described above. As shown inFIG. 35, symmetrical arms 222 yield inwardly as the retainer clip ispushed into opening 62. Projections 218 and 220 (Which form a slottherebetween) extend from lever 208 and engage the headliner and rigidpanel when the retainer clip is installed as shown in FIG. 36.Advantageously, lever 208 is symmetrical, in that both arms 222 areidentical, so that lever 208 could be turned 180 degrees and beinstalled within retainer clip 200.

[0077] Retainer clip 200 is shown installed in FIG. 36, but, like theembodiments illustrated above, retainer clip 200 includes a releasemember which is accessible exteriorly so that lever 208 can bedisengaged and the retainer clip removed. Release member 223 is definedby lever 208 and can be accessed through access opening 224 (FIG. 33).As release member 223 is depressed with a pointed implement, arms 222move toward one another and projections 218 and 220 on one of arms 222disengage and the retainer clip can be removed.

[0078] Retainer clip 200 provides a tactile sensation and an audibleclicking when the retainer clip is snapped into position. That is, asthe rigid panel is received in the slot defined by projections 218 and220, the installer can feel and hear that the clip is properly in place.

[0079] With reference to FIGS. 38-43, another embodiment of atransportation clip is illustrated. Transportation clip 226 can be“pre-installed” into opening 66 in headliner 39 by positioning flangemembers 228 of transportation clip 226 in alignment with headlineropening section 66 as shown in FIG. 38. As shown in FIG. 39,transportation clip 226 is then pressed against headliner 39 whichcauses spring-like loop members 230 to compress. Transportation clip 226is then rotated within headliner opening section 66 to the positionshown in FIG. 40 where it is hooked to the headliner in a“pre-installation” position. Loop members 230 spring back to theirinitial shape after the transportation clip is positioned in thepre-installed position and help secure the transportation clip in theopening. That is, the semi-circular shape of loop members 230 allowsloop members 230 to engage the opening and prevent the transportationclip from being removed. Further, finger members 231 press down againstthe headliner to more firmly secure the transportation clip thereto.Transportation clip 226 engages retainer clip 200 in thepre-installation position so that a headliner module can be transportedwith the retainer clip connected thereto.

[0080] The engagement of retainer clip 200 with transportation clip 226in both the pre-installation and installed positions can be appreciatedwith reference to FIGS. 42 and 43. As shown in FIG. 43, transportationclip 226 includes web members, or catch members 232, having ends 234thereof which extend into recesses 236 formed on opposite sides ofretainer clip 200. In this pre-installation position, retainer clip 200is connected to transportation clip 226 and transportation clip 226 ishooked to headliner 39 by means of flange members 228 as shown in FIG.43. The relationship of the retainer clip to the transportation clip inthe installed position can be seen in FIG. 41. Conveniently, thetransportation clip 226 is concealed in the final installation and neednot be removed. Thus, assembly time and material disposal are reduced.

[0081] In some applications, it may be desirable to eliminate the recess236 shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 so that the inside of the retainer clipbody can be more simply manufactured. An alternate embodiment of atransportation clip 237 which eliminates the need for the recess on theretainer clip is shown in FIGS. 44-46. As shown in FIG. 44, end 229 ofcatch member 238 engages the trunnion, or peg 210, in the preinstallation to hold the retainer clip to the headliner. The elbow 240of catch member 238 is biased against the retainer clip body as shown inFIG. 44 to produce secure engagement of the retainer clip. When theretainer clip is pushed upwardly, catch member 228 slides downwardlyrelative to the retainer clip as shown in FIG. 45 to the installedposition.

[0082] With reference to FIG. 42, when retainer clip 200 is pushedupwardly into the opening defined by the headliner and panel,transportation clip 226 is forced downwardly into retainer clip 200.That is, ends 234 disengage from recesses 236 and slide along theretainer clip body. Meanwhile, the lever of the retainer clip engagesthe rigid panel, as described hereinabove with reference to the firstembodiment.

[0083] Advantageously, the transportation clip can be molded flat asshown in FIG. 47 and then formed or bent into the position shown in FIG.38. Flat molding decreases tooling and other costs associated withmanufacturing the transportation clips.

[0084] It will be appreciated that the foregoing embodiments arepresented by way of illustration only, and not by way of any limitation,and that various alternatives and modifications may be made to theillustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. For example, the above-disclosed embodiments describe aretainer clip for releasably receiving a rod of a sun visor. However, itcan be appreciated that the invention could easily be adapted to otherinterior vehicle components, such as the hooks conventionally installedabove the rear doors for hanging coats and the like.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automobile interior assembly, comprising: aceiling panel; a retainer clip releasably secured to said ceiling panel,said retainer clip defining a notch; and said retainer clip including arelease member accessible exteriorly of said retainer clip, wherebyengagement of said release member disengages said retainer clip fromsaid ceiling panel.
 2. The interior assembly of claim 1 , wherein saidretainer clip further comprises a lever movably attached thereto, saidlever securing said retainer clip to said ceiling panel.
 3. The interiorassembly of claim 2 , wherein said lever defines said release member. 4.The interior assembly of claim 2 , wherein said ceiling panel defines anopening therethrough, said lever engaging said ceiling panel proximatean edge of said opening.
 5. The interior assembly of claim 4 , whereinsaid lever is concealed by said retainer clip and said ceiling panel. 6.A retainer clip for use in an automobile, the automobile including arigid panel having a headliner adjacent thereto, and an openingextending through the panel and headliner for insertion of said retainerclip, said retainer clip comprising: a retainer clip body defining anedge adapted to abut the headliner, said retainer clip further defininga notch; and a lever movably attached to said retainer clip, said leverpositionable in a first position wherein said lever is adapted forinsertion into the opening and a second position wherein said leverengages the rigid panel thereby securing said retainer clip.
 7. Theretainer clip of claim 6 , wherein said lever further comprises arelease member accessible from outside of said retainer clip, wherebysaid retainer clip can be removed.
 8. The retainer clip of claim 7 ,wherein said retainer clip body forms an access hole therethrough foraccessing said release member.
 9. The retainer clip of claim 6 , whereinsaid lever further includes a slot adapted to receive a portion of therigid panel proximal to the opening.
 10. The retainer clip of claim 9 ,further comprising said slot being defined by a pair of projections, atleast one of said projections being adapted to engage the rigid panel.11. The retainer clip of claim 6 , wherein said retainer clip bodyfurther comprises a beam member disposed therein, said lever beingpivotably attached to said beam member.
 12. An automobile interiorassembly, comprising: a headliner defining an opening therethrough; aretainer clip having a notch for releasably receiving a rod of a vehiclesun visor; and a transportation clip disposed in said opening, saidtransportation clip having a flange and a catch member; said retainerclip positionable by said transportation clip in a pre-installedposition, wherein said flange hooks said transportation clip to saidheadliner and said catch member releasably retains said retainer clip.13. The assembly of claim 12 , further comprising a rigid panelpositioned adjacent said headliner, said retainer clip furtherpositionable in an installed position, wherein in said installedposition, said catch member is disengaged from said retainer clip andsaid transportation clip is maintained with and concealed by saidretainer clip.
 14. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein said flange memberis sandwiched between said headliner and the rigid panel in saidinstalled position.
 15. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein said flangemember comprises a pair of flange members.
 16. The assembly module ofclaim 13 , wherein said retainer clip comprises a recess for receivingsaid catch member in said pre-installed position, said catch memberbeing disengaged from said recess in said installed position.
 17. Themodule of claim 13 , wherein said retainer clip further comprises alever movably attached thereto, said lever securing said retainer clipand said transportation clip to said headliner and said rigid panel insaid installed positions.
 18. The assembly of claim 13 , furthercomprising a release member accessible exteriorly of said retainer clip,whereby said retainer clip can be removed from said assembly.